Most of us don’t know Ron Washington personally. All we do know of him is what has been reported by what former and current players say about him; and what we read and seen during the MLB Season concerning the Rangers. In relation to the former he is well respected, if not beloved. Regarding the latter, he has a quiet disposition in the dugout and seems focused on the game unfolding on the field.
He took over a team that had been the doormat of the AL West for 15 years, and has steered it towards the cusp of being one of the most youthful and promising teams in the American League. From this I understand Washington is a good baseball man.
But the announcement today that he admitted to and tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 baseball season comes as a shock. Yes, we appreciate the fact that he came forward within the organization when it happened. He apologized publicly and has completed the Major League Baseball’s drug treatment program. From here on out he will be subject to a random drug test as part of Major League Baseball’s testing program. We still have no idea who Ron Washington the person is.
The more I think of what transpired in the media today, the more I realize there are three significant questions that have not been answered:
- Why did he use coke?
- Why was he not fired?
- Why are we hearing about this nine months after the events?
Washington insists that he only used cocaine on this one occasion. I have a hard time believing that. Why? Because there are mounds and mounds of research over the last couple of decades on just how destructive this drug can be. Cocaine usage can lead to addiction. Addiction can wreck lives. Wrecked lives can destroy families. And all of these facts have been widely publicized in anti-drug campaigns. Our country even declared war and we were all told as far back as the 1980s to just say no. We know the risks of messing around with cocaine.
In the 1980s, like many in America, MLB had a cocaine problem. Some might recall the troubles surrounding such notables as Steve Howe and Doc Gooden, and how they were repeatedly forgiven and offered multiple chances to get clean. To that argument I would agree; those young men were given many additional chances to redeem themselves. And from what I can tell so has Ron Washington, at least this once. But let me point out Ron is no young, less experienced and foolhardy man.
He is 57 years old and ought to know better. He was intimately involved in baseball when cocaine was front and center as a player concern. He knew what happened to them, maybe not first hand, but he was certainly closer to the events than we were, if just by proximity.
In an article on si.com, Washington states “I am truly sorry for my careless, dangerous, and frankly, stupid, behavior last year”. What kind of person who at this age just succumbs to temptation and decides ‘what the hell, let me do some blow’?
Next I wonder how did he come by it? How would he know where to get it? Just how would you rectify that this one lapse in reasoning, which could jeopardize so much, is worth the risk? Too many of these questions remain unanswered, and if not answered lead to ugly assumptions.
And the actions of the organization are rather perplexing too. Their response has been as much of a shock as well. Were these basic questions taken into account? In a quote to MLB.com Ranger’s Jon Daniels stated “Obviously, we asked a lot of tough questions.”
Really? Were any like those above? Is your manager hanging out with felons, because that’s what a drug dealer would be if convicted of distribution or intent to distribute? How would that play out in the media?
After all, the Rangers have spent too much time, money and marketing on focusing on the family atmosphere. They want us to come out to the ballpark and have a good time. Bring the kids. Well, let’s do focus on the family and answer the tough questions like any family would. Not doing so makes this a dysfunctional relationship and one that indicates lack of honesty. Lack of honesty breeds mistrust. You see where this is going.
Finally, why nine months later until this story breaks? Why did it break at all? From what I understand, there is complete confidentiality of everything that has taken place. Only those directly involved have any knowledge: Washington, certain officials involved with MLB’s drug treatment and testing program, Nolan Ryan, Jon Daniels and maybe a few others within the Ranger organization.
I cannot imagine any of them breaking this story because of the damage it could potentially cause. But it did break. Didn’t the Rangers consider this as a possibility? If so, why didn’t they come forward openly and honestly before some reporter,who will never reveal their source, published the story ? I can only imagine they wanted to bury this and pretend it didn’t happen. Denial again. Mistrust. Dishonesty.
It’s all very disturbing. There is too much left unanswered in the revelations of today’s news. It’s not just a man who experimented with a recreational drug. It’s an issue casting doubt on everyone associated with it. And now the fans are left to contemplate. Do the right thing Rangers, and help them come to the right conclusions.
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Now Washington has admitted to using pot and greenies as a player. So there is a history. I know pot and greenies are not the same as coke, and as I eluded to this is forgivable to some extent when a person is much younger and can work out these problems with treatment. But there is a clear pattern of drug use. And the pattern is what needs to be addressed. I just don't know how he can keep his job. I am curious to hear the response of Mr Ryan and Jon Daniels in light of this new information
I don't have a problem with the Rangers keeping this private. In fact I think less information is more. When it leaks, it leaks. The proper response, in my opinion, is to address the steps they've taken with Wash, mention their regret that this incident was made public, and restate their confidence in Wash's rehabilitation.
I don't actually think the public has the right to know.
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